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Opening Night of the NBA, and the Celtics looked like they didn't miss a beat. Banner Night, every three hit, Tatum was an MVP, it was an absolute beating on the Knicks. The back and forth was entertaining to start, but Boston trounced New York and made us all wishing Randle and DiVincenzo were still on the squad. An overreaction to night one? Absolutely, but when the final whistle blew, the memes came flying online.
Rightfully so. Mikal Bridges didn't look like a guy worth trading five first round picks for. The same goes for the bag that OG received. Touted as the best wing duo in the league, their defense was below average and their shooting was questionable. Will they be fine? Yes... It's the first night, there isn't a reason for panic (just yet). But beyond that, outside of Brunson, it felt like the team hasn't gelled to the new pieces and the rust is still being shook off.
This opening night was a night I had circled on my calendar for months, and it was very disappointed. I've had harder moments as a Knicks fan, but I am not too worried yet. Despite the 23 point loss, there was some things that worth smiling about.
It's nice to have a point guard in Jalen. No more dark ages of a revolving door at the position like the Browns and Quarterbacks. KAT might not have been as a productive on the stat sheet, and at times looked undersized, but without him we would have no big presence whatsoever. Deuce McBride might win 'Sixth Man of the Year'. The young guard was 8-for-10 with 22 points with 80% from three, and will be an incredible leader on the second unit. Alongside him, Cam Payne will be very serviceable, and there were nice flashes of potential from Pacome Dadiet. This team will desperately need Precious back in the lineup, and Mitchell Robinson will be a fantastic midseason acquisition.
At the end of the day, it's a new team and a long season. We've had it hard as Knicks fans, and there is no need to sound the alarm just yet.
In Thibs and Leon we trust...